Mexico auto plant shutdowns

Many people may think that the U.S. auto slowdown is causing plant shutdowns only at U.S. plants, including the Toyota assembly plant in San Antonio, which will cease Tundra pickup production for three months starting Aug. 8.

But Mexico plants are being shut down temporarily, too. Chrysler closed all five of its Mexico plants, including the one near Saltillo, for two-week periods this month.

“Adjustments in production volumes” is part of the reason for the Mexico shutdowns, along with maintenance and preparations for 2009 models. Chrysler employs 6,000 Mexican workers. No layoffs are planned.